Current topic:We'd love to include your perspective! Send submissions on any topic to fourperspectivesblog at gmail.com.

Next topic:

Friday, August 31, 2012

From Annette

Pin It
Jason was the best teacher four of my children ever had. And that's
saying something, because my kids have had some really good teachers.
What made him so great? He didn't just teach, he helped them learn. He
has an amazing website specifically for his class (check it out! http://classroomofchaos.com
) where he posted parent info, pictures, homework aides, and even music
playlists. He taught with zest, bringing stories to life with voices,
and made math understandable with hands on quirky activities. For
instance, when he taught graphing on the x and y axis, he would practice
with the kids, getting them out of their seats and "jumping" to Kriss
Kross's song "Jump", and yelling out directions on the "axis". His teaching was
unorthodox, but you never forgot what he taught. I would sometimes go to
his class to help grade papers, but would end up spending half the time
just watching him teach. I was jealous that my kids got to be in his
classroom everyday. Not an understatement. He gave what many parents
considered a lot of homework, but to him, it was simply preparation for
Junior High and High School, and learning good habits. He provided
amazing incentives for staying on top of assignments and homework with
"Super Activities" and awards and recognition. He also taught "outside
of the curriculum" things like friendship, kindness, responsibility, and
thoughtfulness. Priceless lessons.

In addition, Jason was a colleague of mine, helping me with film
making in my GT classes at the same school, as well as giving me ideas
by his example. We became good friends and "hung out" as it were by
helping out at super activities and in various and sundry events, like
hiking the "Y", or "Christmas in September". His friend-shipping skills
seemed to have no limit. He had a way of looking out for everyone. For
example, when my husband was away for 3 months, he and his siblings had
our family over for Thanksgiving dinner. He always aimed for the
"exceptional" in everything he did.

Although I have mentioned a lot, I have barely scratched the
surface. He was a wonderful teacher and friend. I am deeply saddened by
his loss. It feels like there's a hole in my heart now that he is gone.
I loved him dearly and will forever be grateful to him for, well, for
everything.